Process Perspective

Differential Association Theory

This is the theory by Edwin Sutherland that asserts that antisocial acts and other criminal behavior are learned through association with others.

Social Learning Theory

Developed by Albert Bandura, this theory is similar to Sutherland's Differential Association theory in that it is also based on the belief that criminality can be learned through socialization. It suggests that people learn behaviors, attitudes, and even the outcomes of those behaviors through observation of others, and this will serve as a guide for them on how to act.

Bandura believed in the concept of reciprocal determinism that says that the world and the person's behavior cause each other. That is, one's environment causes one's behavior. At the same time, one's behavior causes one's environment.

Neutralization Theory

This is a theory proposed by Gresham Sykes and David Matza as a means of explaining law breaking. They say that offenders know the essential difference between law abiding and law breaking, but persist in criminal behavior because they are able to rationalize away their feelings of guilt and shame and even loosening moral constraints.

The following are the neutralization techniques suggested by Sykes and Matza:

• Denial of Responsibility offenders assert that they are actually the victim in the situation and that they were left without a choice but to commit the crime
• Denial of Injury offenders insist that they did not harm the victim
• Denial of the Victim offenders attempt to conclude that their victims deserved to be victimized by their crime
• Condemnation of Condemners criminals insist that blaming on them the crime is unjust and unfair and don't deserve a punishment
• Appeal to Higher Authorities this is when criminals insist that their crime was done for a good cause

Differential Identification Theory

This theory is an expansion of the Differential Association Theory. It was developed by Daniel Glaser and emphasizes the individual's social roles and ability to make choices. Thus, one need not only associate with another delinquent but, in some way, identify with that person to become like him or her.

Social Bond Theory

This theory was created by Travis Hirschi in 1969. According to this theory, people have social bonds and the weakening of these bonds is the cause of criminal behavior.

According to Hirschi, a typical delinquent lacks the following:

• Attachment emotional component of conformity
• Commitment rational component of conformity and refers to a lifestyle in which one has invested considerable time and energy in the pursuit of a lawful career
• Involvement being engaged or obliged to take part in lawfulness
• Belief the acceptance of social norms regulating conduct

Antisocial and criminal behaviors will emerge automatically if social controls are lacking.

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